Go-to Faculty

Wouldn't it be great if college came with a go-to person--someone you could call or visit whenever you had a question about credit hours, a problem with a class, or just a friendly face?

Now it does.

In fact, UNCP comes with more than 20 of these go-to people. We call them our Go-to Faculty. They are friendly people who care about students and want to see them succeed. They also have answers to your questions, or they can help you find them.

If you already have a great relationship with some of your professors or an advisor, you can continue seeing them, of course, but if you still need a go-to person, call, e-mail, or visit one of the helpful people below. They're here for you.

Michael Alewine

Michael Alewine

Library

Michael Alewine is the Outreach/Distance Education Librarian. Alewine holds a master of Library Science, a master of science in instruction design, and is currently completing a Master in Arts in English from East Carolina University. Alewine has been working in academia for 15 years. He has lived in several places around the United States. He currently lives in Maxton where he enjoys playing golf.

“I became part of the Go-to Faculty because I know what it is liked to be a college student and how easy it is to get lost in the system or get behind because of something going on your life. Student success means everything to me.”

Steve Bourquin

Steve Bourquin

Mathematics

Dr. Bourquin is the Chair of the Mathematics and Science Department where he is an Associate Professor. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and earned a masters and Ph.D. from Ohio University. Dr. Bourquin is a native of Louisville Ohio and grew up ten miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He currently lives in Myrtle Beach S.C., but says his favorite place to be is on the UNCP campus. Dr. Bourquin is a faculty associate for the UNCP football team, a member of the chancellors club, and is active in the Kiwanis Club of Lumberton. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, especially collegiate sports involving UNCP.

“My passion in life is to teach mathematics and to help students achieve their academic goals.”

David Fricke

David Fricke

Business

Mr. Fricke is a senior lecturer in the school of business. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Fricke joined the UNCP faculty in 2000. Prior to UNCP, Fricke lived in Spain, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, and New York. He was a recipient of the UNCP Outstanding Teaching Award and he has served on various committees including the General Education Subcommittee and the University’s Traffic Appeals Board. Away from UNCP, he is an active consultant to local small businesses and start-up companies. In 2010, the Superior Court of NC recognized him as an expert witness regarding Prospective Financial Reporting and Financial Analysis.

“I like to advise students through the complexities of the University requirements to minimize the roadblocks in prerequisites and requirements. I really want to minimize the time to graduation for students.”

Richard Gay

Richard Gay

Art

Dr. Gay is an associate professor in the Art Department and currently serves as the interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A native of Berea, KY, he has degrees from Berea College, the University of Kentucky, and Cornell University. After working in libraries and museums, he achieved his career goal of becoming a teacher. He has taught Art History at UNCP since 2004. In his spare time, Dr. Gay enjoys gardening, hiking with his wife, and has recently developed an addiction to hosta.

My life was transformed though higher education, and I’m a believer in lifelong learning. A university degree is just the beginning! I always ask my advisees, ‘what is your end goal’ and enjoy helping them plan for the future.

Amy Gross

Amy Gross

Geology

Ms. Gross is a lecturer in the department of geology and geography. She received a dual undergraduate degree in both Economics and Business Administration (finance) from West Virginia State College. Although she began studying economics at West Virginia University, she eventually changed career paths and earned a degree in geology. She earned a Master of Science in Geology from UNC Wilmington. She is the current faculty advisor for the Geology Club at UNCP and participates in the Jazzercise club in Southern Pines. Her house is filled with books, cats and interesting knick-knacks.

“I enjoy helping students decide if they are going to go to grad school or enter the work force. I have a lot more life experience then they do and can help guide them towards their best possible future.”

Linda Hafer

Linda Hafer

Mathematics

Ms. Hafer is a math lecturer. She attended Pittsburg State University where she earned her BSED in mathematics with a minor in physics. She moved forward to earn a master’s degree in mathematics and later, she received a B.S. in applied physics from UNCP. Hafer’s original love for math started when she was in elementary and middle school. She attended a small 2 room school house in rural Kansas and each year, she would continuously observe the older students as they completed their math work. These observations eventually led to a greater understanding of the material. She is a mother of 4 children and a ‘grammy’ to four grandchildren. She currently teaches Sunday school to 3rd and 4th graders at Calvary Baptist Church. She is an avid scrap booker and is currently working on a project for each of her grandchildren to give to them once they get older.

Renee Lamphere

Renee Lamphere

Sociology and Criminal Justice

Dr. Lamphere is an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice. She is a native of Middleville, NY, and received her B.A. in both communication studies and public justice with a minor in sociology from The State University of New York at Oswego. Later, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in criminology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has been teaching for five years. Prior to teaching, she worked at JCPenney doing loss prevention and as a program coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Lamphere is very involved on campus. She serves as the faculty advisor for the Kappa Delta sorority and the campus liaison for the Robeson County Teen Court and Youth Services, the local juvenile court diversion program in Robeson County.

“I like helping students maximize their potential as students on the UNCP campus. You are in classes 12-18 hours in a week, but what else are you doing?”

Keondra Mitchell

Keondra Mitchell

Business

Ms. Mitchell is an Executive in Residence for Student Success and lecturer in the Marketing, Management and International Business. She has a B.A. in English with a concentration in film and media studies from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She earned an MBA from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. She is originally from Richmond, Virginia but now lives in the area with her husband, two sons and daughter. She is currently the faculty advisor for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on campus. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, shopping and doing arts and craft projects.

“I enjoy helping students see the light at the end of the tunnel, whether it’s the end of a semester, a few more semesters or their last semester at UNCP.”

Melonie Moody

Melonie Moody

Nursing

Mrs. Moody is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Clinical Learning Center for The Department of Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) in 2015, as well as her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2010 from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. While at Pembroke, Mrs. Moody was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Mrs. Moody is a native of Dallas, NC, but now lives in Aberdeen, NC with her husband, son, and step-daughter.

"I love helping students set personal and educational goals because not so long ago I was in their shoes. It brings me joy to represent the students and help them along the ways.”

David Nikkel

David Nikkel

Philosophy and Religion

Dr. Nikkel is a professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy Religion. He is the 2012 recipient of the UNC Board of Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Nikkel originally received a B.A. in math from Yale University before earning a master’s degree in Divinity from Methodist Theological School and a Ph.D in Religious studies from Duke University. He is a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but has spent most of his life in Ohio. He has been married for 31 years and he has two daughters. He is the current pastor of Eutaw United Church of Christ, a small congregation in Fayetteville. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano and accordion and he enjoys writing his own music.

“My involvement in many areas of the university life here means that I can address most of the academic and other issues students have and know where to send them. When they need more help I can provide that.”

Brandi Norman

Brandi Norman

Biology

Ms. Norman is a lecturer in the biology department who hails from Virginia. She has a B.S. in biology with minors in chemistry and education from King University in Bristol, Tennessee. She also has a M.S. in biology with a concentration in education from Radford University. She taught high school and community college for many years before beginning her career at UNCP in 2010. She enjoys genetics and forensic science. In her spare time, Ms. Norman enjoys watching scary movies and reading thriller novels.

“Sometimes we have events that happen in our lives that can have such impacts that we feel like a failure or like we can’t overcome. I want to encourage all of my students to never give up on their dreams or goals, no matter what life throws at you.”

Melissa Schaub

Melissa Schaub

English

Dr. Schaub is an associate professor in English and currently serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment. Dr. Schaub is a native of Florida and received her B.S. at the New College of Florida. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She enjoys living in NC because it is half way between the weather extremes of Wisconsin and Florida. Her research focuses primarily on 19th century British literature authored by females. She also has written a book about female detective writers of the modern period.

“I am currently the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and I oversee many of the offices students interact with on a day to day basis including financial aid, the registrar, the advising center and the academic support center. I’m happy to talk to students any time, about those topics or about life, literature, language, careers, science fiction, computers, cats or kids.”

Joe Sciulli

Joe Sciulli

Felicia Scott

Felicia Scott

Chemistry

Ms. Scott is a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Although she was born in Baltimore, she considers herself a native of Robeson County. She has been working at various levels of academic for 26 years. A highlight of Ms. Scott’s career includes the opportunity to establish organic chemistry lab courses, nursing, and lab safety training at Southeastern Community College. Ms. Scott has two daughters and she has a grandson. Her husband is Rev. Eugene Scott and she is very involved with church activities.

“I enjoy advising students because sometimes students just need someone to talk to. I like to help direct students to see the variety of careers they have to choose from within the degree path they have chosen.”

Marisa Scott

Marisa Scott

Education

Dr. Scott is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and is also the coordinator of special education. She received a B.S. and M.A. in education from East Carolina University before earning her doctorate from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has been working in a university setting for five years. Prior to teaching at the university level, she worked as a special education teacher in a public school and as a child care director. Dr. Scott has two sons and a daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking their memories. She is also an active member of the Women of Excellence at Simon Temple AME Zion Church.

“I enjoy being able to interact with my students in a more informal way and get to know more about their goals and aspirations as they develop over time.”

Meredith Storms

Meredith Storms

Chemistry

Dr. Storms is the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Dr. Storms received a B.S. in chemistry from UNCP (then, Pembroke State University). Later, she earned a doctorate degree in pharmaceutical analysis from the University of Georgia. Dr. Storms started her career at UNCP in 2002. Dr. Storms is the faculty co-advisor for the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honors Society. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and she is involved in many church activities. Dr. Storms is also passionate about orphan care and believes in the importance of investing in the lives of children who have suffered from tremendous loss.

“When I see students, I see a little bit of myself in each one of them. Some students do not like to ask questions, some are nervous or afraid, some lack the self-confidence needed to persevere and some just fall right into place. I see a little of myself in each scenario and I enjoy working with students to help them chart their path to a college degree despite obstacles.”

William Thomas

William Thomas

Business

Dr. Thomas is the Associate Dean in the School of Business. He holds a Bachelor’s from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a masters from Campbell University and a doctorate from Capella University. Dr. Thomas has been teaching at UNC Pembroke since 2001 and prior to that time, he had several jobs within the business field. Outside of being an associate dean, Dr. Thomas spends most of his time doing charity work. He has served as the Relay for Life Event Chairman/co-chair of Scotland County for nearly 20 years and he currently serves as chairman of Hospice of Scotland County’s Board of Directors. He is a member of the Scotland Health Care System Finance Committee and is the treasurer of Centre Presbyterian Church. He has received numerous awards for his charity work including the North Carolina’s Governor Award for Service, the UNCP Adolph Dial Endowed Award in the Area of Community Service, the Scotland County Chamber of Commerce and the Dunbar/McCoy Community Service Award. On campus, Dr. Thomas serves as the faculty advisor to UNC Pembroke’s Relay for Life and he serves as a member of the SACS Quality Enhancement Plan Committee and the UNCP Online Quality Control Committee.

“My personal belief is that students are our greatest asset! Advising students and sharing with students is a special gift to me. I consider my go-to faculty role to be both an honor and a serious responsibility.”

Charles Tita

Charles Tita

Erik Tracy

Erik Tracy

Psychology

Dr. Tracy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Tracy received his B.A. in psychology with a minor in media studies from the University of Buffalo in 2000. In 2006, he earned a Ph.D. in cognitive/experimental psychology from Ohio State University. He taught as a lecturer at Ohio State for five years before beginning his career at UNCP in 2011. Before coming to UNCP he was a contestant on the TV show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” where he won $15,000.

“I like to push my students to succeed. I know that they are able to succeed, but sometimes they need that extra push or that extra encouragement to know that they can succeed.”

Jeff Warren

Jeff Warren

Education

Dr. Warren is an assistant professor in the Department of School of Administration and Counseling. Dr. Warren received a B.S. in elementary education and M.S. in school counseling from East Carolina University. Later, he received his Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from North Carolina State University. He is a native of Greenville NC, but now lives in Wake Forest with his wife, two children and dog. He is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and the chapter advisor of Phi Sigma here at UNCP. He also carries professional memberships with the American Counseling Association and the North Carolina Counseling Association. In his spare time, he enjoys running and listening to live music.

“I enjoy advising students because it is a great feeling to help others. It is exciting to see the excitement and drive our students especially as they reach personal and professional goals.”

Erika Young

Erika Young

Biology

Ms. Young is a lecturer in the Department of Biology. She is currently a doctoral candidate in marine science at UNC- Chapel Hill. She received her master’s degree in biology from Western Carolina University where she studied dragonflies. She is a Lumbee Native of Pembroke and she received her B.S. in biology with concentrations in zoology, botany and environmental science from UNCP. Young lives in Shannon NC with her husband and son where they have a small farm including 24 chickens, 2 ducks, a horse and a dog. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, pottery, and bird/insect watching.

“I love helping students understand what it means to conduct research and how to pursue graduate school. I like describing the many ways to enjoy and work in the sciences. There are not many opportunities where you are paid to scuba dive, swim with sharks, climb trees, go hiking, catch fish, bird watch or collect spiders etc. I like graduate school!”